From Marilyn Lynch, Stanbridge Head of School:Hello again and welcome to another edition of The Weekly Bridge. After a week of Winter Break, students and staff returned back to school this past week, and from college tours to talent show auditions, we picked up right where we left off. Highlights below from the last week of February and notes on what to look forward to as we head into March:

This past Tuesday, many of our high school juniors and seniors spent the day touring Foothill College and the College of San Mateo. Both schools have been popular post-Stanbridge destinations for a number of our graduates and Resource Specialist Diane Chau organized this day-long event to show current upperclassmen what these schools have to offer. Knowledge is good when it comes to understanding the various post-secondary options available to Stanbridge students, and Tuesday's tours were enhanced when the tour group met with a few recent Stanbridge graduates on the Foothill campus. Diane is working to schedule addition transition events for high school students and their families throughout the year, but if you have specific questions about what options are available for your student, email Diane with your questions or contact her to set up a meeting. Don't forget that you can also download the notes from January's Alumni Parent Panel on the SPA Spot page, or request a DVD of the panel discussion.

After school on Tuesday, Jay Huston assumed the role of Simon Cowell and--along with a number of other staff members--auditioned student acts for the upcoming talent show. Talents of all stripes were represented: singing, dancing, comedy, and acts that defy easy description. Alas, not all students who want to be in the show were able to stay afterschool on Tuesday, and a few of the auditionees were asked to polish their performances and return for a second audition. Jay will be holding the Make-Up/Re-audition session this coming Tuesday, March 4th afterschool at 3:15 p.m. If your student needs to participate, please ensure they have the necessary props/equipment to perform their act, and remember that stage time is limited to a max of five minutes. All students who wish to be part of the talent show must have their act pre-approved through the audition process and this Tuesday is the final cutoff. If your student is unable to attend for any reason, please email Jay and request an alternate date and time. The talent show is always a memorable night and a highlight of every year, so be sure you save the date now: March 14th at 6:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Theatorium.

Said Theatorium was in full footlights mode before break when our Theater Club debuted their sci-fi spoof "Trek Star II: The Wrath of Nahk." Featuring a technically-complex set, special effects, homemade props and costumes, plus an entirely original script, it was a Theater Club paradise, and the show bedazzled the standing room only crowd of students, staff, families and friends. But if you were unable to attend, don't worry--you can klingon...er, click on...our Media Room page, where we have posted pictures from the show, as well as some exclusive behind-the-scenes shots. While on the Media Room page, you will notice that we also posted a bonus video of Jerry DeCaire, a comic book artist and lecturer who will be coming to Stanbridge on March 4th. DeCaire is part of a national lecture tour "Science of the Superhero," and talks to students about the math and science skills involved in creating comic book characters. He should have a fairly receptive crowd when he speaks at our all-school assembly Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

Before signing-off, don't forget that Mark is organizing swim lessons at the San Mateo YMCA for Stanbridge students later this spring. Whether you find yourself in a pond or pool, knowing how to swim is a great skill. This pilot program is a unique opportunity for our students to learn the basics or develop their technique. Mark is going to be finalizing the schedule this month, so if your student would be interested in participating, please complete the swim lesson survey posted on our Files & Forms page and return it to Mark by this Wednesday, March 5.

Also, this coming Wednesday is the monthly SPA meeting, 8:30 a.m. in Hayden Hall. As always, all Stanbridge parents and guardians are encouraged to attend. At the previous meeting, Chris Myers distributed summer school interest surveys and I would like to thank everyone who gave us feedback on the program. Over break, Chris analyzed this and analyzed that and we are currently in the process of developing curriculum based on your suggestions. The course guide will be published later this month, at which time you will be able to register your student for summer school at Stanbridge. In the meantime, a reminder that summer school classes are week-long sessions, and this year's summer school will run from June 23 through August 1.

Finally, don't forget that we have launched a Stanbridge Academy Google Plus page. Similar in some ways to Facebook, Google Plus allows you to "Follow" us and stay connected to the latest news and events at Stanbridge. If you have a Google Plus and/or Gmail account, be sure to click over to our G+ page and follow us (and, if you'd like, give us a +1, too). Given that it is a page visible to the public, if you'd like to post a review for us, we'd appreciate that as well. The more followers and reviews we have, the more prominent our online profile becomes, so multiplicity helps!

Clearly, our webmaster Chris is armed and dangerous when it comes to online updates. Perhaps with relatively few interruptions in March, he is worried about a Groundhog Day-like month ahead. Still, with next week's superhero assembly and the mid-month Talent Show, there are some highlights to look forward to. Plus, another long Vacation is coming in April with Spring Break. So we have that going for us, which is nice.

From Marilyn Lynch, Stanbridge Head of School:Hello again and welcome to another edition of The Weekly Bridge. Only one week to go before we reach our mid-February Winter Break (Feb. 17-21), and by the looks of things, we will need it. It's a busy week ahead, so be sure to mark your calendar accordingly:

Things get off to a creative start on Monday when we begin our first ever, week-long Maker's Fair. The event will feature student-created models and artwork on display in Hayden Hall, and students from all grade divisions are invited to exhibit their creations. Students were asked to bring their entries in on Friday, but for those who needed the extra time to finish, we will also accept submissions on Monday, Feb. 10. Please note that entries cannot exceed 2' x 2' in size, but there are few other limitations. Submissions can include any three-dimensional artistic creation--from LEGO sets and model kits, to homemade sculptures and Rube Goldbergs. The artwork will be on display in Hayden Hall through Friday, Feb. 14, and there will be "Best in Show" prizes for entries in each grade division. If you have specific questions about this unique event, email James Warren.

On Monday afternoon, our Bulldogs Hockey team will participate in their first official game of the season when they take on Charles Armstrong School. The game will be played on the CAS campus at 3:30 p.m. and Coach Erik Tom and the team are hoping for a big turnout of Bulldog fans. The venue is a short drive from Stanbridge and a great afterschool activity for students interested in seeing their classmates play. Directions to the venue are on the Bulldogs Athletics page and hockey players must have a signed permission form on file to travel with the team (you can download a copy from our Files & Forms page). Here's hoping the rain stays away for the afternoon and the team comes away with a victory. Go Dawgs!

This coming Wednesday, Feb. 12, we will be hosting visitors to our campus during the annual Winter Open House. This event runs from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and will feature personalized tours of the campus, Q&A sessions with select staff members, and a chance to get in-depth information on all aspects of the Stanbridge program. Please spread the word amongst any friends and family members who may be considering Stanbridge for their children. Also, the Open House is a great opportunity for current Stanbridge junior high parents and guardians to learn more about our high school program, so I encourage you to attend as well.

On Thursday, SPA volunteers will be invading the staff kitchen for another annual tradition, Soup From the Heart. A staff favorite, the event features SPA members bringing-in homemade soups, salads and desserts to share with the faculty--a delicious Thank You that couldn't be more perfectly timed given the change in weather. Most volunteer spots for this year event have been filled, but check this week's SPA Spot page for additional details and to sign-up online to assist.

Speaking of SPA, the minutes from last Wednesday's meeting have been posted on the SPA Spot page, along with updated versions of the K-8 and High School event calendars. Of note if you missed the meeting, two handouts were distributed regarding upcoming spring and summer activities. First, Mark Kelley is coordinating a unique session of swimming lessons through the San Mateo YMCA. Classes would be held afterschool at the 'Y' on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays starting this April and running through the end of the school year. Notably, the lessons would be for Stanbridge students only, and students of all ages and ability levels are welcome to enroll. Specific details will be forthcoming next month, once Mark has gauged interest and availability. If this sounds like something you would like to sign-up your student for, please complete the Swim Lesson Form and return it to Mark or the main office by the end of the month.

Also distributed at the SPA meeting on Wednesday was a short interest survey about this year's Summer School program. The Stanbridge Summer School dates are set for June 24-August 1, and we are looking for feedback from parents/guardians on what types of classes you would like to see offered. Our teachers will be finalizing the summer curricula after break, and much of it will be based on your feedback. If you plan to enroll your student in this year's Summer School, please take a moment to complete this short Summer School Interest Survey and return it to Chris Myers or the main office by Feb. 14. The Summer School course guide, schedule, and enrollment packet will be distributed in early March.

Before that, however, there are still a few more goings-on at Stanbridge before next week's break. In addition to Valentine's Day, this Friday, February 14 is the world premiere of Trek Star II: The Wrath of Nahk, the afterschool Theater Club's original production that they have been working on since September. Postponed from this past Friday, the show will finally debut at 1:00 p.m. this Friday in the Stanbridge Theatorium (a/k/a the Multipurpose Room). Admission is free, and friends and family members of all Stanbridge students are invited to attend. The show is a spoof of a certain science-fiction franchise and features an original script, costumes, and props created by Theater Club students, along with club moderators David Hopper and James Warren. The group has been working on the show for months and the production will be an unforgettable experience.

Following the performance, students will join their homeroom teachers and advisors for divisional Valentine's Day parties until dismissal at 3:10. Following dismissal, Winter Break begins and Stanbridge will be closed until Monday, February 24.

Before signing-off, a big Thank You to all of the staff and parent volunteers who helped at last night's high school dance; pictures will be posted online next week. It is a busy week ahead, but it should be a fun one. Hope to see you at the hockey game, open house, Soup From the Heart or Friday's show...or all of the above! Until then, have a great weekend!

Three events to remember for tomorrow, Friday, January 24:• The monthly bake sale will be held during lunch time. Items will be sold for one-dollar each and there will be a gluten-free option available. More information on the SPA Spot page; more "Bake Sale Song" here.• All junior high students will be treated to a free pizza lunch tomorrow. The pizza party is a reward for being the grade division with the highest participation in this year's Annual Fund Campaign. Students who do not wish to eat pizza should bring a bag lunch.• All high school students are invited to attend an afterschool Trip to the Movies. A chaperoned group will be departing from Stanbridge on Friday afternoon at 3:15 to see the film I, Frankenstein at the San Mateo Century 12 Cinemas. This is a voluntary activity and attendees are required to purchase their own ticket/snacks at the theater. The movie is rated PG-13 and the event is open to outside friends, family members and guests. For more information or to volunteer as a chaperone, click over to the SPA Spot page.

From Marilyn Lynch, Stanbridge Head of School:Hello again and welcome back to our first "Weekly Bridge" of 2014. I hope everyone enjoyed the extended holiday break and is looking forward to an exciting new year at Stanbridge.

Before looking ahead on the calendar, a quick note about some pre-holiday events from last year. Just prior to break, high school students enjoyed the annual holiday dance and students from all divisions participated in an all-school Holiday Showcase assembly. We have uploaded a number of pictures and a short video from those events and posted them in the Media Room, so be sure to click over and take a look for a better-late-than-never dose of holiday cheer. Also, our Bulldogs Basketball team played their first competitive game of the season on the last day of school before break began. The team came up short against Charles Armstrong School, 33-22, but the game was competitive and all of the Stanbridge players saw action. If you missed the game, their will be more opportunities to see the team play this year, including a game next Saturday, Jan. 18 against STAR Academy. Full details, along with upcoming game and practice schedules are posted on the Bulldogs Athletics page.

Our first week at school after the holiday break went smoothly, with students and teachers settling back into their regular routines. Ditto for the Stanbridge Parent Association, who held their regular monthly meeting this past Wednesday. The highlight from their meting was the special panel of Stanbridge Alumni Parents who returned to discuss how and what their Stanbridge graduates were doing since leaving campus. The Q&A session was both informative and insightful, giving current parents a look at the numerous options available to their students. A big thank you to all of the parents who returned to speak on the panel, and to event organizer, Resource Specialist Diane Chau. If you were unable to make Wednesday's event, you can read over the SPA meeting minutes on the SPA Spot page, where you can also find downloadable notes from the Alumni Parent panel. Finally, the panel's presentation was video recorded, and if you would like to request a DVD of the presentation, please email Diane with your request.

Some good news to report from over the holiday break: We received a number of end-of-the-year Annual Fund donations and the numbers for the 2013-2014 Campaign are looking great. As of Friday, schoolwide participation is over 80% and our goal of 100% family participation is within sight. Additionally, the challenge to raise $35,000 in new and increased donations before December 31st was met--meaning that, thanks to your generosity, Stanbridge has added an additional $35,000 to this year's total! This is fantastic news and puts us extremely close to reaching our goals. If you have been waiting for the new year to make your donation, there is still time. Drop off your donation at the main office before or after school, or use your credit card or checking account to make an online donation through our Donate Now page. On behalf of the entire Annual Fund Committee, I cannot tell you how grateful we are to everyone who has helped make this year's campaign such a success. Thank you, Stanbridge!

It is great to end the first "Bridge" of 2014 on such a positive note, but before signing-off, a few quick reminders:

• Our online Stanbridge Family Directory was updated and reposted on the Files & Forms page last month. Please read over your family's entry to ensure the contact information is correct. If we need to make any changes, corrections or additions, email Chris Myers, who will publish the revised edition next week.

• With the holidays behind us, there are a number of notable lectures, seminars and workshops coming up on the calendar. Click over to our Lectures & Workshops page for the latest updates.

• The Middle Elementary students will be taking a day trip on Monday to Sonoma Mission. Please email Homeroom Teacher Kimberley Kornmann if you have any questions about the trip.

• Afterschool clubs are back in session and will run through the week of Jan. 20-24. January 24th marks the end of the second quarter and, thus, the end of the first semester. We will distributing sign-up forms for second semester afterschool clubs next week. While many of the clubs and meeting days will remain the same, there will be a few new options and schedule changes. Sign-up forms will be distributed to students (and posted online) next Friday, with enrollment open through the end of the month. Please note that all students who wish to participate in an afterschool club next semester will have to (re-)enroll and club tuition is due with the sign-up paperwork. Second semester clubs begin Monday, January 27 and will run through the week of May 19-23.

Believe it or not, the midway point of the school year is only two weeks away. Here's to a great 2014; have a wonderful weekend!

Just a reminder that the first Stanbridge Parent Association meeting of the new year will be held tomorrow, January 8 at 8:30 a.m. in Hayden Hall. All parents and guardians of Stanbridge students are invited to attend. Also, following the general SPA meeting, a panel discussion has been organized to address students' transition from Stanbridge, featuring alumni parents who will share their students post-Stanbridge experiences. Although this program will be directed mostly to our 11th- and 12th-graders, all high school parents are welcome to attend for future planning. This panel will include parents of alumni from an array of years and a variety of transition paths. We strongly encourage you to attend. This is a great, informal way to gather information on your student's post-Stanbridge transition, so I hope to see you there.

From Marilyn Lynch, Stanbridge Head of School:Hello again and Happy Holidays. Our holiday break is officially underway and Stanbridge is closed until the 2014. Before enjoying some down time with friends and family, a few year-end notes and reminders as you finish your holiday shopping, ponder your New Year's resolutions, and roast your chestnuts by an open fire:

The week leading-up to break was busy as usual here on campus. On Friday, December 13th, our junior high students participated in a "Day of Service" by assisting at the Family Giving Tree warehouse in Menlo Park. Their experience provided a nice bookend to our school-wide Family Giving Tree gift drive, which collected dozens of holiday gifts for families in need. The junior high students helped sort and wrap gifts at the warehouse, and saw firsthand where all of the collected items go, not to mention the behind-the-scenes work involved with the FGT organization. You can glimpse some of the highlights on our Community Service page.

Later that night, Hayden Hall was transformed into a winter wonderland for the annual High School Holiday Dance. Many current students (along with some Bulldog alumni) were on hand to celebrate the season with music, snacks, and plenty of holiday cheer. Our thanks to all of the SPA parent/guardian volunteers who helped with set-up and clean-up, as well as our teacher chaperones who also got into the spirit of things (see for yourself on the Media Room page).

This past week, our students helped everyone get into the holiday spirit during the Stanbridge Holiday Showcase on Wednesday afternoon. Taking the stage in A2, students from all divisions performed a variety of holiday skits, poems, and songs for an audience of classmates, teachers, family and friends. The event was highlighted by an extended set of classic and modern holiday favorites sung by the Stanbridge Choir, a show-stopping set from the Stanbridge Band, and an all-school rendition of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." You'll (Yule?) have to wait until after the holidays for online highlights, but those who were in attendance agreed it was a fantastic way to get into the holiday mood.

And if Wednesday's performances didn't put students in the holiday mood, it is likely that Thursday afternoon's holiday parties did. Thanks again to all of the SPA representatives who helped organize and provide treats for the divisional parties. The occasions provided a cheerful way to end the school week and ease into break.

But before our basketball players could ease into break, they played their first official game of the season. Taking-on Charles Armstrong School, the Bulldogs fell 33-22, but Coach Mark Kelley was pleased with the team's effort and the group is off to a promising start for the rest of the season. More important than the final score is the fact that every player on the team saw action on the court during Thursday's game, including a few who took to the hardwood for the first time. Plenty of parents, guardians and friends were there to support the squad and everyone is excited for the season ahead. A few games are already scheduled for January and February, with more to be announced after break. Be sure to stay up-to-date with all of the Bulldog action on our Bulldogs Athletics page.

As we settle in to this extended break, just a few more notes to keep in mind over the holidays:

• Just a reminder that time is running out to make your tax-deductible donation to the Stanbridge Annual Fund before the end of the year. Tuesday, December 31 is the date that our Matching Funds Challenge expires and we are hoping that your donation--which will be matched by the Challenge, and therefore worth double--will help us reach our dollar and parent participation goals. If you have not yet donated, the easiest way to give is to click over to our Donate Now page and complete our online donor form, or send your check (made out to Stanbridge Academy) to the main office by December 31. We are closing-in on both our fundraising and participation goals and your donation will make a difference. On behalf of everyone in the Stanbridge Commnity, thank you for your support.

• With the flurry of online holiday shopping now and the post-holiday glut of gift cards to come, don't forget that using AmazonSmile to order from Amazon.com helps contribute to Stanbridge. When you use the AmazonSmile portal, a portion of the price from every purchase you make will be donated to our school. This is an easy way to help give to Stanbridge, so read more about it on our AmazonSmile page.

• Our online Stanbridge Family Directory has been updated and reposted on the Files & Forms page. Please read over your family's entry to ensure the contact information is correct. If we need to make any changes or corrections, email Chris Myers, who will publish a revised edition (if necessary) after break.

• School does not resume until Monday, January 6, 2014, but mark your calendars now because Wednesday, January 8 is the first SPA meeting of the new year, 8:30 a.m. in Hayden Hall. All parents and guardians are encouraged to attend, but I especially encourage the families of high school juniors and seniors to join us for this upcoming meeting. Following the general SPA meeting, a panel discussion has been organized to address students' transition from Stanbridge, featuring alumni parents who will share their students post-Stanbridge experiences. Although this program will be directed mostly to our 11th- and 12th-graders, all high school parents are welcome to attend for future planning. This panel will include parents of alumni from an array of years and a variety of transition paths. We strongly encourage you to attend. Please email Resource Specialist Diane Chau questions for the parent panel in advance so that the participants may prepare responses. We ask that questions be general and not student-specific in order for all families to benefit from the responses. More specific questions can be addressed in the later part of the morning, or after the panel has concluded. This is a great, informal way to gather information on your student's post-Stanbridge transition, so I hope to see you there.

That's not for a while, however, so until then, enjoy a relaxing, peaceful, happy holiday break. Seasons Greetings to you and your family and a Happy New Year! (See you back at Stanbridge on January 6th!)

The Stanbridge Family Directory has been updated. A new version of the directory has been posted to our Parent Portal's Files & Forms page. If you need to request any changes to your contact information, please email our webmaster.

From Marilyn Lynch, Stanbridge Head of School:Hello again. If this past week's weather was any indication, we are indeed in a winter wonderland. (relatively speaking, of course). Chilly temperatures aside, the holiday season is in full swing at Stanbridge, and as we prepare to start holiday break this coming Friday, here is the latest news on all of the hustle, bustle, and holiday smiles:

• The Stanbridge Community has a long history of giving during the holidays and this year is no exception. Following on the heels of our Thanksgiving Food Drive, our annual Family Giving Tree gift donation drive was equally successful. Coordinator Susan Kufer delivered dozens of donated gift items to the FGT warehouse in Menlo Park that will be distributed to less fortunate families and children. Continuing the theme of student service, our junior high students and teachers participated in a "Day of Service" this past Friday, going to the FGT warehouse to help sort, organize and wrap items. It was a unique opportunity for the group to see where the donated items go, as well as see firsthand the community effort behind this organization. More details and pictures are posted on our Community Service page. This illustrates the true meaning of the holiday season, so a heartfelt Thank You to everyone who participated.

• The on-campus Scholastic Book Fair ended on Tuesday morning, but you can still support Stanbridge by ordering books online through this Wednesday, Dec. 18. Coordinator Laura Claude has more details and links to the Stanbridge Book Fair website in this week's SPA Spot. Speaking of online shopping, you can also read more on the SPA Spot page about how using AmazonSmile to order from Amazon.com helps contribute to our school. 'Tis the season for holiday gift giving and these are two great ways to get your shopping done and help give back to Stanbridge!

• In conjunction with the Book Fair, to help generate even more excitement about reading, teachers encouraged students to read at home. For the past three weeks, elementary and junior high students were asked to read for 20 minutes at home each night, and high school students were asked to keep a nightly reading log and try to collectively read at least 8,000 minutes. Both of those reading goals were reached and as a reward, students enjoyed a free pizza lunch on Wednesday. Given the success of the Book Fair, there is likely to be a lot more reading over the holiday break as well.

• Before holiday break, however, we have a few holiday events scheduled here at school. Our high school students enjoyed a winter wonderland of a different sort on Friday night when Hayden Hall was decked in boughs of holly, disco lights, and wall-to-wall music for the Holiday Dance. Big thanks to the parents and guardians who donated snacks, helped with set-up and clean-up, and our teacher chaperones for the night. Plenty of pictures were taken and we will post them to the online Media Room next week.

• Also on the agenda for next week: our school-wide Holiday Showcase. Students from all divisions will be giving special holiday-themed performances on Wednesday afternoon in the Multipurpose Room. The showcase will feature a comic skit from resident improv maestro Jay Huston and the Stanbridge High School Players, a performance from the Stanbridge Band, a concert by David Hopper and the Stanbridge Student Choir, and more. The event is open to all Stanbridge families, friends and relatives, so I hope you can make it. The curtain goes up at 1:45 p.m. and the performances will run until the end of the school day at 3:10.

• Finally, our last day of school in 2013 is this coming Thursday, December 19 (Note: There is no school on Friday). Students will get a chance to ease into break with divisional parties on Thursday afternoon. The group parties will start at 2:30 p.m. with teachers, SPA volunteers, and divisional parent reps organizing activities and providing snacks. When the 3:10 bell rings, it will mark the start of our holiday break which runs through January 5, 2014.

From Marilyn Lynch, Stanbridge Head of School:Hello again. I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving break with friends and family. As the weekend comes to a close, a few brief notes before everyone heads back to school on Monday:

• The annual Scholastic Book Fair begins this Tuesday, December 3 and runs through next Tuesday, December 10. Kiosks and displays will be up in Hayden Hall so students, parents and guardians can browse the selection of books available, as well as an assortment of posters, school supplies, and other select toys and gifts. SPA volunteers will be on-hand before and after school, as well as during midday lunch periods, to complete purchases. All students were given details on the book fair last week before going on break. The take-home packet included a special voucher "Passport" which allows you to give your student a set amount of book fair credit that he/she can spend at the event. Book Fair coordinator Laura Claude has additional details posted in the SPA Spot, including links to the Stanbridge Book Fair webpage, online volunteer sign-ups and more. With the holiday shopping season in full swing, this is a great opportunity to purchase gifts for friends, family or yourself. Stop by to check it out!

• Speaking of holiday shopping, the Family Giving Tree is now on display in the Hayden Hall foyer and we will be collecting donations through mid-December for less fortunate children and families. Gift tags are displayed on the tree and feature the name and age of a child in need, as well as that child's specific gift request. Stanbridge families who wish to participate can take a tag from the tree, and then return the tag with their unwrapped donation to Hayden Hall by December 10. Donated items will be delivered to the FGT warehouse by the Stanbridge Junior High students during their December Day of Service, and later distributed to the specific recipients by the FGT organization in time for the holidays. We are also looking for volunteers to assist at the warehouse on Saturday afternoon, December 14. More information on the Family Giving Tree, as well as all of this year's community service events, can be found on the Community Service page and in this week's SPA Spot.

• In other community service news, a big Thank You to all of our students and families who contributed to the Stanbridge STAR Teams' Thanksgiving Food Drive. James packed and delivered the contributions to St. Anthony's Dining Room in San Francisco in time for the Thanksgiving holiday and your generosity made a huge difference to those in need. On behalf of the student STAR Teams who sponsored and promoted this event, thank you for making a difference!

• A reminder to our Bulldogs Basketball players that practices resume afterschool this week. Be sure to stay up-to-date on practice times and upcoming games on our Bulldogs Athletics page.

• Finally, as you may have heard, this year's start to Thanksgiving Break was extra special for students. Not only did everyone get together to play Turkey Bingo last Tuesday afternoon, they were also treated to an impromptu concert from Stanbridge's very own James Warren, who performed his personalized version of "What Does the Fox Say." James performed this original piece at the "Cheers to 30 Years!" Gala, and it helped to raise thousands of dollars for the Stanbridge Fund-A-Need shuttle van campaign. If you weren't there to see it, however, be sure to log in to the Media Room to view the equally-energetic encore from last week.

It's only a matter of time before James signs that deal with Jay-Z and Justin Bieber. Until then, enjoy the remainder of the weekend and see you back at school on Monday.

From Marilyn Lynch, Stanbridge Head of School:Hello again. This coming week, we are counting down the days until our "Cheers to 30 Years!" Gala on Saturday, November 16. There is a lot of information to share about the big event, as well as a special pre-gala auction that will be taking place on campus. Full details at the end of this week's Bridge column, but first some other important notes:

• Monday, November 11 is Veterans Day and Stanbridge will be closed for the holiday.

• On Tuesday, November 12, Doug Peck will be on campus in the morning for yearbook photo retakes. If your student was absent on picture day last month, or if you would like a retake, please ensure that your student is dressed in the appropriate uniform on Tuesday. Also, if you would like to order additional prints, please return the photo order form with payment on Tuesday morning. The order form can be downloaded from our Files & Forms page.

• If you were unable to attend last Wednesday's SPA meeting, the minutes have been posted on the SPA Spot page. From the Winter Book Fair to next month's high school dance to a variety of holiday festivities, there is a lot coming up on the calendar, so be sure to stay plugged-in.

• In addition to the many holiday activities coming up, we also have an important transition event planned for our high school families. Resource Specialist Diane Chau has coordinated a "Transition & College Awareness Day" on Wednesday, November 20. Representatives from a dozen agencies will be on campus that afternoon to talk with high school students, parents and guardians about their programs. Participants scheduled to be on-hand include representatives from work-study programs, community colleges, four-year universities, and post-secondary support programs. Many of the agencies attending are schools and programs where previous Stanbridge graduates have found success. This is a unique opportunity to explore the options your student has after Stanbridge and have your questions answered in a personalized, conversational forum. The event is open to all Stanbridge high school parents and guardians, and is mandatory for all high school juniors and seniors. Freshman and sophomores are welcome to attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian. More information, including a specific list of participating program representatives, will be announced next week, but save the date now.

• Last Thursday was our Fall Open House and I'm happy to report that turnout was strong. Nearly two dozen families attended and many requested follow-up tours. Thanks to everyone who helped spread the word!

• There are a number of lectures and workshops coming up this week and throughout November, including Common Ground's one-night-only presentation by Susan Cain this Thursday. Click over to our Lectures & Workshops page for details, and be sure to check back occasionally as we continually update the listings throughout the month.

• Halloween is always a big day at Stanbridge and this year many of our students and staff got into the spirit of the holiday. We've posted a selection of pictures in our Media Room from Halloween Day at Stanbridge. Though the day featured a lot of costumes, as you will see, it was hard to mask all the smiles.

• With Halloween behind us, Thanksgiving is the next major holiday on the calendar and I remind all families again that the Stanbridge Thanksgiving Food Drive is currently underway. James Warren and the Stanbridge STAR teams are sponsoring this annual event that allows students from all divisions participate in a meaningful service project. Now through November 25, we are collecting non-perishable food items that will be delivered to St. Anthony's Dining Room in San Francisco. Drop off your donations in the Hayden Hall foyer.

Finally, as noted, this is a big week for us at Stanbridge as we look forward to Saturday night's "Cheers to 30 Years!" Gala. We have nearly reached capacity for the event, so if you have not yet returned your RSVP, please do so by 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Due to space limitations we will be unable to accept RSVPs after Tuesday morning.

With attendance so strong and a palpable buzz surrounding the event, I would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge "Thank You!" to all of our families who donated items for the gala's fundraising auction. This is our first time hosting an dinner dance/auction fundraiser and the response has been tremendous. Even our most ambitious expectations were exceeded as we packaged over 75 auction items in preparation for next weekend's event. On behalf of everyone involved with organizing the gala and auction, I sincerely thank you for your overwhelming generosity.

We realize that, for a variety of reasons, not everyone who would like to go to Saturday's gala will be able to attend. Therefore, we are giving all Stanbridge families an opportunity to bid on a wide variety of auction items at school this week. Beginning on Tuesday afternoon, nearly 50 items will be on display in Hayden Hall, and Stanbridge parents and guardians are invited to submit bids via silent auction (bid sheets will be posted next to the items). You can bid competitively in hopes of scoring a bargain (the opening bid for most items is 50% off the retail value) or you can purchase items immediately at special "But it Now" prices. Bidding will remain open through Thursday at 1:00 p.m., at which time the silent auction will close and Anne Barrows will notify the highest bidders. Payments can be made at school via cash, check, or credit card, and payment in full is due upon receipt of your auction item(s).

A full listing of items that will be up for auction on campus is posted on our auction webpage (page now disabled). As you will see, there is something for everyone--video games, dining certificates, gift baskets, student-made artwork, vacation homes, and more. Additional items will be auctioned on Saturday night, but this special "pre-gala" auction allows everyone to get in on the bidding. With the holidays coming up, this is a fantastic opportunity to purchase gifts at great prices and support Stanbridge. It's win-win, so let the bidding begin!

Again, our sincere gratitude to everyone who donated these items. We hope that this year's auction fundraiser is a unique, fun, and exciting way to show your support for Stanbridge. Enjoy browsing the items at school next week and best of luck to all of the bidders!

Whew! A lot to report this week. Enjoy the long weekend and see you on Tuesday.

Reminders that the monthly meeting of the Stanbridge Parents Association (SPA) will be held this Wednesday, November 6 at 8:30 a.m. in Hayden Hall. All current Stanbridge parents and guardians are encouraged to attend.

On Thursday, November 7, we will be holding our Fall Open House from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the Stanbridge program and the services we offer. The event will include personalized campus tours, presentations from our staff, and Q&A sessions with key personnel. The event is free and no RSVP is required. This is also a great opportunity for current Stanbridge families with students in our junior high program to learn more about our high school offerings. Look forward to seeing you!

From Marilyn Lynch, Stanbridge Head of School:Hello again. This past week was another eventful one at Stanbridge and it is likely that our students enjoyed it thoroughly. All students got an extended weekend, thanks to parent-teacher conferences on Monday, and high school students also had Tuesday off thanks to their divisional conferences extending into a second day. Overall, this year's conferences went well and I remind you to email your student's teacher directly if you did not get a chance to meet with them last week. If you have any questions regarding your student's academic performance or wish to set up an alternate day and time to meet, you can find all of the teacher email addresses on our Teachers pages. Report cards have been finalized and will be sent out this coming week.

In addition to the bonus days off, students had another big reason to be excited about last week: Halloween. Last Friday, the high school division held their first afterschool dance of the school year and it was a monster (s)mash. Thanks to Emily Bentley and the SPA volunteers who helped transform Hayden Hall into a Halloween Ball, and to the teacher chaperones who ensured that no brain-eating zombies or C.H.U.D.s spoiled the fun. Most attendees got into the spirit of things by dressing in costume and you can see some of the highlights in our Media Room.

Of course, Halloween was officially this past Thursday and all students (and most of the staff) came to school in costume. After morning classes, students were treated to a ghoulish lunch of Halloweenies to kick off the first ever Stanbridge Halloween Hoedown. Events included face painting, fortune telling, organ identifying, carnival games, spin art, and the dunk tank, where a number of teachers got cooled-off for the afternoon. Big thanks to Jackie Donaho and Ingrid Sigaretta for taking the lead to organize this event, and the many SPA volunteers and division representatives who were in attendance to help. Divisional parties capped off the day, but not until after everyone was treated to a concert from the Stanbridge Choir, which performed a selection of Halloween-themed songs. Finally, congratulations to our students who won the Best Costume and Annual Fund Raffle prizes (names published on The Bridge mainpage). As with every Halloween at Stanbridge, there was a lot of creativity on display and we will be posting a full album of photo highlights in the Media Room next week.

Next week may not be quite as festive, but it is still busy. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, SPA will hold their regular monthly meeting at 8:30 a.m. in Hayden Hall. With a lot on the schedule for Thanksgiving and the holidays, much will be discussed at this week's meeting, so I encourage you to attend. Check the SPA Spot for more information and, if you can't make Wednesday's meeting, be sure to refer to the page later in the week when the minutes will be posted. On Thursday, November 7, we will be hosting our Fall Open House from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. This is a great opportunity for people interested in the Stanbridge program to learn more about our school. There will be campus tours, Q&A sessions, and opportunities to speak one-on-one with a number of our staff members. Please spread the word to any family and friends you know who might be interested in attending. And don't forget that this is an ideal opportunity for our current junior high families to learn more about Stanbridge's high school program. Hope to see you there!

The Annual Fund Committee would like to extend a big Thank You to all of the families who made their contribution to this year's Annual Fund Campaign. Already, over one-third of Stanbridge families have made a donation, and we've raised over $30,000! That's a great start to this year's campaign and we hope that the momentum continues into November. Remember that our goal is to have 100% family participation and every donation helps make a difference. Also, all donations from new families are matched, dollar-for-dollar, with matching grant funds. Likewise, families who increase their donation from last year will also have their increase matched 1:1. To learn more about this year's campaign and to make your donation online, click over to the Support Us section.

In closing, a few final notes:• Last week, prints of this year's yearbook photos were distributed to students. If you would like to order additional prints, please return the form on the Files & Forms page to the main office or to Doug Peck. For students who were not at school on Picture Day, or for those who would like a retake, Doug will be back at Stanbridge on the morning of November 12.• The Stanbridge Thanksgiving Food Drive is now underway and the big blue collection bin is starting to fill up. James Warren and the Stanbridge STAR teams are sponsoring this annual event that allows students from all divisions participate in a meaningful service project. Now through November 25, we are collecting non-perishable food items that will be delivered to St. Anthony's Dining Room in San Francisco. Drop off your donations in the Hayden Hall foyer.• Listings for the November conferences and workshops have been updated on our Resources page. Please note that the organizers of the November 14th Common Ground Speaker Series event have notified us that there is limited seating for the Susan Cain presentation. It is advised that you arrive early, as they will be closing the doors once the auditorium is filled.• There is another long weekend on the horizon: Monday, November 11th is a day off in honor of the Veterans Day holiday. Please plan your schedules accordingly.• We are just two weeks away from our November 16th "Cheers to 30 Years!" Gala. Again, please ensure you return your RSVP as soon as possible as space is limited and we expect the event to sell out. Also, we would like to note that the auction at the gala is a separate entity from the Annual Fund Campaign. Funds raised at the auction are dedicated to specific programs and projects, but Annual Fund contributions benefit all aspects of the school. For a comprehensive guide of what the Annual Fund covers, click here for more information.• Finally, a reminder that this weekend we "Fall Back" and turn the clocks back one hour in observance of Daylight Savings Time. Given that many of our students are probably overloaded with Halloween candy from Thursday, the extra hour of sleep should do us all good.

From Marilyn Lynch, Stanbridge Head of School:Hello again. October has arrived and while the federal government may be shut down, things are humming along here at Stanbridge. Our Middle Elementary students returned Friday after a three-day adventure in Westminster Woods and our junior high students will be heading there soon for their fall experiential trip, October 15-17. Lots of highlights from these trips, including the High School trip to Web of Life School in September, and we're still sorting through the hundreds--thousands--of pictures that everyone took. Be sure to check in our Media Room next week when we will post a selection of these photos.

This past week, the Stanbridge Parents Association held their monthly SPA meeting which featured a full agenda. There's a lot coming up on the calendar, particularly in the second half of this month: The High School Service Day, the first dance of the school year, and the Halloween carnival, just to name just a few. Anna Zara is compiling the minutes from Wednesday's meeting and we'll post them on the SPA Spot page this week.

This coming week is a fairly quiet one here at Stanbridge, but please note that Tuesday, October 8 is picture day. Please ensure your student is dressed appropriately for their photo on Tuesday. Elementary and Junior High students should follow the dress code guidelines in the Parent-Student Handbook. We inadvertently neglected to include the High School student dress code in this year's handbook, but you can find the guidelines in this post on the Bridge Blog. An order form for additional prints can be found on the Files & Forms page.

Also, check your mailbox in the days ahead for a packet on our 2013-2014 Annual Fund. This year's campaign begins in earnest this week and there are a number of incentives for giving and giving early. The mailed packet includes a in-depth look at all of the programs and activities impacted by the Annual Fund and illustrates how your donation helps to make a difference. And making a difference is easier than ever now that you can make your donation online--simply click over to our Support Us section for details. Our school has always prided itself on the idea of the "Stanbridge Community"--parents, guardians, students, teachers, and alumni working together. The Annual Fund helps to ensure that our program remains strong and continues for the next 30 years and beyond. Together, we are Stanbridge, and on behalf of the Stanbridge Community, I thank you in advance for your participation in our Annual Fund Campaign.

Before signing off, two more reminders: First, the Common Ground Speaker Series kicks off its 2013-2014 season this week with Po Brosnan speaking at three Bay Area venues on October 8 and 9. You can read more about his presentation on our Lectures & Workshops page, which also includes a number of other upcoming events of note. Secondly, the donations for our November 16th "Cheers to 30 Years!" fall gala keep coming in. Just this week we received more restaurant gift certificates, jewelry donations, gift baskets and more. If you know of any friends, family members or businesses who would like to contribute auction items, we've made the process easy--simply click over to the Files & Forms page and download our two-page Auction Donor Packet. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far; it's going to be a spectacular night!

Stanbridge Academy is a caring, inclusive K-12 school for students with mild to moderate learning differences and social communication disorders. We use an individualized, whole student approach so that students thrive and develop their academic, social, and emotional capabilities to their fullest potential.